Lets look at this cross country complex from the viewpoint that your horse would have on final strides of the approach. From this spot, your horse would likely have a hard time determining what that second set of flags might be exactly. It might be a ditch. It might be a drop. Or it might just be another jump, on a downhill slope. But how close is it to the fence you are about to jump?? Your horse might be wondering if there is even room for him to land in there! What can YOU do as a rider, to help your horse more quickly and accurately assess this situation? How would you ride the approach to this fence, in a way that would best help him to understand what is being asked of him? (Click on Discussion Title above (in blue) to read this educational discussion)
"The important thing in the canter is to try to keep that jump, because a lot of riders, in trying to collect the canter, make the canter flat or, in trying to build power, will often rush the tempo. The most important thing is to hear the rhythm of the canter." ~ Hilda Gurney
It can be a good exercise in awareness to exaggerate both extremes of an aspect of your position, such as leaning all the way to the left and then all the way to the right. Whichever way feels easier or less awkward for you might indicate that you tend to regularly sit to that side. Experiment with that and try to find the middle.
"I’m so glad when my horse acts up because then I have something to do with her." A clinic rider said these very words to me. When I had stopped shuddering and my heart rate had returned to normal, we had lots to talk about. (Click on Blog Title above (in blue) to read full entry)
You don't really improve your trot lengthenings by working directly on them, per se. You improve them by doing exercises which increase the engagement in your horse's hind legs - half halts, the almost walk exercise, etc. When you have more engagement in your horse's trot, try your lengthening again, and it is likely that it will be improved.
This great exercise, direct from the Spanish Riding School, will increase the collection in your horse's canter. It will also improve your counter canter work, and is a great way to build towards canter pirouettes. Here's how to do it! (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 1474"In my opinion riding accurate figures comes down to focus, planning and attention to detail. It is very important that we ride proactively and not reactively." ~ Mica MabraganaTip/Quote of the Day # 1473
"It is good to ride with closed eyes once in a while." ~ Nuno Oliveira
On the basics of training - "You think it’s quite boring, but this is the foundation. It’s like building a house. If you have a bad foundation, you’re going to have a bad house." ~ Charlotte Dujardin
You need a short bouncy energetic canter in water. Not just to the jump in, but to any jump out or otherwise related to the water. Getting long and flat can be especially disastrous at a water jump.
1) has a good natural rhythm--not too fast, not too slow; 2) is supple both longitudinally and laterally; 3) is connected to the rider from the leg into the hand." ~ Liz SteacieTip/Quote of the Day # 1469
Since most horses are more narrow in their shoulders than in their hips, you need to be thinking about a slight shoulder fore positioning whenever along the rail or wall. If you allow their left shoulder and their left hip to be the same distance away from the wall on your left, for example, the horse would be traveling with his right hind leg further towards the center of the ring than his right front.
"I’m going to supple her a minute." That’s what a student announced to me as she was riding. Because I have a kind and generous soul and always display good temper, I did not act incredulous that she should seek permission to do something that riders should automatically be doing all the time.
But the exchange highlighted a differing perception of what a rider should be doing in a lesson situation. When you take a lesson, you mustn’t act like a puppet who takes no action other than what you are told to do. I don’t mean you should spontaneously disappear to the far end of the ring and freelance around when you feel like it, but no instructor can tell you everything you should be doing in real time. Keeping your horse soft, supple, and attentive is an assumed part of your job whatever project your coach is helping you with. If he or she doesn’t like the way you’re doing it, count on being told so, but don’t just sit there like an empty bucket waiting to be filled with knowledge. Ride your horse! (Click on Blog Title above (in blue) to read full entry)
From Facebook fan Annette Gaynes ~ "Believe in classical dressage, particularly if you have a horse who is a tough subject. Eventually, it will pay off and you will have a happy, healthy, sound horse who wants to do the work."
Turn your horse from the middle of his body by using your seat. And use both reins together to turn him from his shoulders. Turning with the inside rein only turns his nose, leaving the rest of his body to derail.
"Under no circumstances (except to save your life) is see-sawing on the bit ever allowed. Nor is sneaky jiggling. The bit should only be moved by the chewing action of the horse." ~ Catherine Haddad Staller
Tip/Quote of the Day # 1463"Each use of the hand has to be preceded by an action of the upper body, otherwise the rider is merely influencing the horse’s head." ~ Nuno OliveiraPhoto # 77: This is Samantha!(Click on Photo Title above (in blue) to read the critique of this photo)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 1462"The inside leg assures that he is consistently looking for the outside rein. Come on, get him sensitive. If you’re too busy with your inside rein, it takes the focus off the inside leg. Try to get rid of the thinking that everything will fall part if you give the inside rein." ~ Stefan WolffGuest Blog post # 91: "Roamin Empires - Sad!" by Bill Woods
A new student in her first lesson with me was making all sorts of freeform ring figures. A requested circle she translated as a randomly placed oval. A volte from the track came out like an egg of indeterminate size. When I began to explain about the arena’s dimensions and how the figures related to the dressage letters, she interrupted me, “Oh, I’m not interested in competing.” (Click on Blog Title above (in blue) to read full entry)
It is no secret that horses (just like people) will perform better if they actually enjoy their job. And if you want your horse to enjoy his job, you have to consciously make an effort to make your horse's job enjoyable! Here are 12 different things you can think about, to help ensure that your horse is truly happy in his work: (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)
"Don’t set the horse up when cantering over a pole — allow the horse to make mistakes and learn to adjust its own stride to negotiate the pole." ~ Eric Smiley
From member Catherine Norman ~ "One element of a combination at a time with a greenie, even one that is very experienced with stadium fences if they are new to XC. And if you aren't sure, ride forward, because underpace is not only harder for the horse it makes fences dangerous at the higher levels... Fences are made to be taken at a certain speed, not much more and certainly no less."
With many horses, it can be helpful to take a deep breath and exhale in a sigh as you begin the walk portion of your Dressage test. This can help to dissolve any tension that the horse may be holding, that might otherwise make for a “jig” step, or an accidental transition into trot.
As I look back on the hundreds of blog posts I have written, one recurring theme is the need to be clear and definite in the way you communicate with your horse . . . not to be passive, to be the Alpha, not just to ask but to be sure your horse understands, responds, and is rewarded.
Now and then I meet a trainer who has not only taken that advice to heart but has doubled down on it to the extent that he (or she) needs to dial it way back. (Click on Blog Title above (in blue) to read full entry)
"The distance between your ears and shoulders needs to be as big as possible." ~ Bettina Hoy
So keep your head tall and your shoulders down and relaxed. :)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 1453"The true joy for the good dressage rider is found in watching a horse develop mentally and physically through successful training. I have seen some amazing transformations in horses. For instance, a horse with poor conformation—one that has an under neck and a back that drops away from the saddle—can be completely changed by developing the right muscles. After proper training in self-carriage, his outline can be beautiful." ~ Felicitas Von Neumann-Cosel
Thinking about trying your hand at Novice level Eventing? It is always wise to make sure you are very well prepared! Here is a list of skills that you and your horse should be fairly proficient at before you sign up for your first Novice level horse trials: (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)
"Riding correct lines is half the marks you get in the dressage test. So, getting into the corner and getting onto a really good centerline is very important. Use the space you’ve got." ~ Bettina Hoy
"Sit on your bum. If you do that you’re part of the movement. If you squeeze with your thighs you can’t sit. Stay soft in your hips, draw yourself into the saddle and keep the calf just against his rib cage." ~ Bettina Hoy
A great instructor is always thinking and learning about new ideas and concepts, and is always looking for new ways to impart those ideas to their students. The minute one stops learning, one stops growing - and can become stagnant.
Sitting with Major Lindgren at the Aachen show in Germany one day he jocularly observed that international judges only needed to know four words – “more,” “less,” “faster,” and “slower” to accomplish their task. (Click on Blog Title above (in blue) to read full entry)
Always be aware of the amount of tension you carry when riding, and whether you are breathing softly and evenly or holding your breath. Talking or humming quietly is a good way to ensure you keep breathing.
"School figures should not be regarded as an end in themselves but rather as a stage in a particular aim, that of control of the horse. Initially, they will be practiced in the school but an early opportunity should be taken to perform them outside so that the rider may learn to cope with extraneous influences which can distract his horse and prevent it concentrating (for example, his horse not wanting to leave its stable or move away from other horses.)" ~ W. Muessler
